Bravery recognized as Black WWII unit receives Congressional Gold Medal

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the 'Six Triple Eight,' made history as the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve in Europe during World War II. Their service took place during a critical time when they were sent overseas in 1945, amidst growing demands for inclusion of Black women in the Women's Army Corps. Their mission in England was pivotal, as they addressed a severe mail backlog that affected troops overseas. In just three months, the unit successfully processed approximately 17 million pieces of mail, significantly faster than anticipated. The success of the 6888th became a source of inspiration for subsequent generations of Black women in the military. Upon their return from service, their contributions were often overshadowed by those of white counterparts, resulting in a lack of recognition for many decades. In recent years, however, efforts have intensified to honor these women’s sacrifices and accomplishments. In 2018, a monument was erected at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to commemorate their service, and the battalion received the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2019. This increased recognition culminated in the recent award of the Congressional Gold Medal, which will be presented in a ceremony at Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center. Among the attendees will be House Speaker Mike Johnson, who will present the medal to the family of the unit's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley. Only two members from the original 855 who served in the unit are still alive today, which underscores the long-overdue recognition of their impactful service. Representative Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, who was instrumental in co-sponsoring the legislation for the award, described the medal as a deserved honor for the countless contributions these women made during World War II. The cultural significance of the 6888th is being amplified through various means, including a planned Netflix movie directed by Tyler Perry, set for release in 2024, showcasing their story and contributions. This acknowledgment serves not only to honor those who served but also to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by Black women in the military during a time of segregation and discrimination in the United States.